Staying current with technology can be difficult, especially when it comes to essential tools for your business such as your telephone system. Nevertheless, it’s crucial to remember that older systems may have hidden expenses. Outdated technology often poses a higher risk of security breaches and hacking, which can lead to legal issues and harm to your reputation with customers.
It is crucial to consider that maintaining, repairing, and supporting your outdated business telephone system can cost a significant amount of money. Here are 5 signs you need to modernize your phone system and the benefits of doing so as soon as possible.
1. Are you missing essential features?
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to have their employees work remotely. To maintain continuity and productivity, many organizations have invested significant amounts of money in web conferencing and collaboration tools. If your organization had to make such investments, it’s a sign that your phone system was not sufficient and it’s time to upgrade it to one that includes these features as standard, such as Microsoft Teams. Upgrading your system will bring you the latest technology, new features and will improve your organizational efficiency, productivity and security.
2. You have sensitive information that needs to be safeguarded?
As businesses rely more heavily on data, they become more susceptible to cyberattacks from those who see the potential value in stealing it. This can include anything from payroll information, which can be used for identity and credit fraud, to customer account details that can grant access to other accounts.
Maintaining outdated systems can pose significant security risks. Older technology typically has known vulnerabilities that, if left unpatched, can leave your business vulnerable to attack. Upgrading to a modern business telephone system can help integrate with your network security and better protect your data.
3. Is your system portable and accessible from any location?
The ability to make and receive calls from any location is no longer a luxury, it is a requirement. Your phone system should provide this flexibility, whether you are working from home, the office, or on the road. If your team can’t transfer calls to a colleague using a desk phone, computer, or mobile phone because you are not in the office, it’s a sign that you need to update your phone system.
4. Are your IT costs rising?
One of the significant hidden expenses of maintaining an outdated phone system is keeping it operational. The cost associated with proprietary hardware and maintenance can quickly add up, so It should be considered as a crucial factor when deciding to upgrade your hardware.
Newer cloud-based technology is much easier to maintain, resulting in cost savings in the long run. Additionally, upgrading your phone system can lead to increased productivity with new features such as Unified Communications (UC).
5. You need Unified Communications?
Unified Communications (UC) is a topic of interest for many businesses, as it allows all forms of communication to be consolidated in one place, saving time and increasing efficiency. This can also enable employees who are often on the go, such as in construction, warehouse control, or logistics, to access data when and where they need it without complex call-forwarding arrangements.
However, many organizations find themselves in a predicament when it comes to implementing UC. Without a plan to upgrade their legacy phone systems, they are hesitant to move forward, but without upgrading, they can’t fully utilize UC.
If you’re considering UC, the first step is to assess the improvements needed in your business telephone system to make it possible.
Sticking with an outdated system can have hidden costs such as maintenance, lack of new features, and missed opportunities. Upgrading to new technology can boost productivity and have a positive impact on your bottom line.
Now is the time to consider implementing a more integrated system to protect against hackers and to add scalability with a cloud-based solution. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your business to make this transition.
